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Vassar College and Dutchess County Announce Bus Partnership

POUGHKEEPSIE NY– Vassar College has forged an agreement with Dutchess County’s public transit system that enables all Vassar students and staff to ride the county buses simply by showing their Vassar ID.

The agreement, announced today by Vassar and Dutchess County officials, permits Vassar students and staff to ride all county bus routes at no charge if they show their Vassar ID to the driver. Vassar will reimburse the county at a rate of $1.75 per ride.

In addition, the county transit system has modified one of its main routes along the Main Street corridor to include a stop at the corner of Fairmont and College View avenues, just off the Vassar campus. The bus currently runs Monday through Saturday every 65 to 90 minutes between Adams Fairacre Farms on the eastern end to the Poughkeepsie Railroad Station at the western end. Starting March 3, the route will operate seven days a week every 30 to 60 minutes from the Stop and Shop shopping center in the Town of Poughkeepsie at the eastern end of the route and the railroad station at the western end.

Vassar President Elizabeth Bradley said the agreement makes it easier for students and staff who travel into the community for jobs, internships and shopping. “This new partnership with Dutchess County Public Transit is one of many ways the college and the community are collaborating,” Bradley said. “This agreement not only makes it easier for our students and staff to get to their destinations in Dutchess County, it also reduces the college’s carbon footprint by encouraging the use of mass transit.”

Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro echoed that sentiment.

“We are happy Vassar College is taking advantage of great service Dutchess County Public Transit Service provides local residents every day,” Molinaro said. “Vassar students will now be able to connect even more with the community they call home during the school year, and we appreciate their support of public transit. Vassar College recognizes public transit as a cost-efficient option that benefits the environment, and Dutchess County looks forward to serving students’ needs.”

The agreement was forged after the county took over the City of Poughkeepsie’s bus system, which Vassar students were permitted to ride at no cost. Dutchess County Transit Administrator John Andoh noted the new plan is much more comprehensive, however.

“The agreement with the city bus service limited free ridership to Main Street,” Andoh said. “We are now allowing anybody from Vassar to ride all of our routes countywide. Dutchess County Public Transit is looking forward to a longstanding relationship with Vassar, and we hope this agreement meets the needs of Vassar students and staff by providing more mobility.”